Before Leaving for Vacation – A Checklist

Going on a summer vacation? Have some peace of mind while you unwind and get organized before you go. Our top 10 tips to take note of before leaving for vacation:

10. Pack it Up

A week before you take off, make a list of what you want to bring. Invest in individual bags that allow you to fold your clothes without them getting wrinkled or simply try using plastic zip lock bags. Remember to pack tightly as wasted space can cause clothes to wrinkle. Try interweaving your clothes. Drape longer garments such as dresses and pants across the suitcase with the ends hanging over the sides. Fold in shorter items such as shirts and blouses, then wrap the longer garments around them so the clothes can cushion each other.

9. Check the Weather

Of course, before you can pack your wardrobe, you’ve got to check the forecast. Even though it’s summer, you can still experience cool nights, humid days or rainy mornings. Go online ahead of time and download Desktop Weather for free to get the current temperature near your vacation destination. Or, stay informed as you’re on the go by accessing weather information on your PDA. Instantly check out the current conditions, forecasts and news. A modem or other wireless connection is required.

8. Map it Out

Help your children see the world before you even walk out on the door. A fun way to get kids ready for your trip is to break out a map and show them where you’ll be going. It’ll give them a sense of their surroundings and feel a bit more security. Before you leave, play online map games such as the “State Capital Quiz” or “USA Jigsaw.” It’ll be an exciting way to help them feel involved while being educated at the same time.

7. Taking Care of Your Canine

Can’t take your favorite cat or canine with you? Your furry friend can be perfectly happy by going to “camp” at a local kennel. When choosing one, we recommend finding a safe and sanitary, roomy environment where they can receive plenty of social contact. Before you go, make a personal visit to check out the living conditions. A good kennel should have sturdy gates, 24-hour supervision, exercise areas and offer health care on the premises. Be sure that it is a member of the American Boarding Kennel Association.

6. Foster Your Foliage

Worried about leaving your houseplants? Provided with proper light, humidity and water, they can be left home alone for an extended period. Homedecorating.com recommends installing an artificial plant light. Attach a timer to the fixture to help simulate the natural rhythm of day and night. Plants requiring high humidity can be placed in a bathtub lined with plastic and wet newspapers. Tent your greens with a plastic covering (try dry cleaning bags), hang a light overhead and your plants will thrive!

5. Create a Checklist

Before you head out the door, create a checklist. Include reminders such as:
1. Unplug all appliances
2. Hold mail and newspaper delivery
3. Set lights to timers
4. Close windows
5. Water plants
6. Confirm airline, hotel and car reservations
7. Bring copies of all documents and proof of parentage for you and your child
Get all your ducks in a row so you can fully relax on your retreat.

4. Stay Healthy

For a safe summer vacation, get all the details on how to be healthy while away from home. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention can give you the latest on vaccinations, safe food and water, traveling with children or pets and journey-related illnesses. It’s information that is specific to your destination. Also, expect the unexpected and pack a mini-first aid kit with basics such as Band-Aids, aspirin and medicine for an upset stomach.

3. Capture a Moment

If you want to capture those special moments on your warm weather escape, bring a digital camera so you can instantly enjoy your images. Before you go, kodak.com suggests to empty your picture cards by transferring photos onto your computer. Put in fresh batteries and pack extra rechargeable ones for the road. And remember to have enough picture card memory to take about 100 photos per week. Bring along a few medium-capacity cards instead of a big one in case a card has trouble. This way, you’ll never miss a shot!

2. Calling All Cards

When purchasing a prepaid phone card for your trip, look at the fine print. Aome cards offer rates as low as a penny per minute, but include a minimum per-call charge. If it’s a shorter call, you just may end up paying a high minimum fee for every call. And some cards have strict limitations on where you can call. So, the best bargain might be a card with a higher per minute rate without many limitations. Do your homework before you go so you can keep in touch with family and friends without spending a fortune.

1. Dealing with Documents

Traveling internationally and just discovered your passport has expired? Have no fear. If you need it in a hurry, apply for expedited passport processing. Howstuffworks.com claims that costs include a government fee and an additional service fee, plus an overnight mail service fee. Processing can be done within 24 hours for emergencies, four business days for a rush service or seven business days for standard service. Remember to make several copies of all your documents and keep one set in your wallet, one in your luggage and one at home with a friend in case of emergencies.

Brad Riley is a US based avid bar tourist who loves to discover the best drinking spots all over the world.